Addressing-iviachine



(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 1.

- J.S.DUNOAN.

ADDRESSING MACHINE.

No. 558,936. PatentedApr. 28,1898.

AN DREW B.GRAHAM, PHUTO-LITHDVWASMNGTDNDC.

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

J. S. DUNCAN, ADDRESSING MACHINE.

No. 558,936. Patented Apr. 28, 1896.

(No Model.) v 3 SheetsShe et 3.

' J. S. DUNCAN- ADDRESSING MACHINE.

. No. 558,936. Patented r, 28, 1896.

FUNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH S. DUNCAN, OF SIOIIX CITY, IOWA, ASSIGNOR TO THE ADDRESSO- GRAPHCOMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

ADDRESSING-MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 558,936, dated April28, 1896..

Application filed August 2, 1893. Serial No- 482,214. (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOSEPH S. DUNCAN, a citizen of the United States,residing at Sioux City, in the county of Woodbury and State of Iowa,have invented a new and useful Addressing-lllachine, of which thefollowing is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in addressing-machines in which achain of de tachable type-plates is suspended over a rotating drum and aplunger or stamper capable of being driven downward upon the top of thedrum carries a platen into'contact at each movement of the machine withone of the type-plates, which are inked from a suitable inking deviceand the objects of my improvement are to provide, first, a type-belteasily removable and capable of bei-ngcompactly stored away when not inuse; second, an inking device having a direct bearing on the type,without rolling or sliding, and in which the ink-pad is normally closedfrom air and dust; third, a simple and accurate means of rotating thetype-belt so as to bring the name-plates successively under the platen;fourth, to dispensewith all pulleys for the type-belt, suspending itfrom a single drum;

fifth, to provide a detachable link which will retain theprinting-surface and yet allow it to be easily removed, and in which anylink can be easily removed from the chain, and, sixth, to produce asmall compact addressing-machine capable of being easily clamped to theedge of a desk or table. I attain these objects by means of themechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are full size,and in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation of the entire machine, exceptthat the endless type-belt is broken away, showing that portion of itwhich passes over the drum and its lower end; Fig. 2, a vertical sectionof the frame, showing the plunger-hole and the tension-springcontrolling the plunger; Fig. 3, a portion of the mechanism displayingthe gravity-pawl; Fig. 4, a perspective view of two detached linkplatesof the type-belt; Fig. 5, arear elevation of the entire machine with thetype-belt removed; Fig. 6, a side view opposite from Fig. 1, type-beltremoved; Fig. 7, a detail showing inking device in position occupiedsprockets '0 of the drum g, causing the belt to revolve with the drum.Drum g is j ournaled, as shown, on a horizontal axis, on which it isadapted to turn freely. This axis is rigidly fixed to the main frame I),which I prefer to have of malleable iron, steel, or brass. This framehas several turns or angles, and at its upper end is pierced vertically,as shown in Fig. 2, for the passage of the plunger (2, and thetension-spring g. It is necessary that the plunger 01- should be heldnormally in the position shown in Figs. 1, 5, and 6. To accomplish this,I prefer to use the spiral spring q, the upper end of which is confinedin some way as to the block 10, as shown. The lower end is attached toarm 01. The envelop-support f is made, preferably, of sheet metal and isprovided at o with a transverse opening, directly under which alink-plate K is normally at rest. Directly over the opening 0 is theplaten c, which, when forced down upon an envelop suitably placed on theenvelopsupport, springs the envelop-support downward until the type,through opening o, is brought into contact with the envelop, postalcard, on other surface upon which it is desired to print.

Rigidly attached to the plunger a is the arm (2, preferably of steel,which gives off the two branch arms cl and d which actuate the pawl Xand the movable ink-pad i, respectively. Plunger a, platen c, and armscl and (Z areall rigidly joined or maybe all of one piece and are allmoved downward by hand or other power applied to the plunger a and arenormally drawn up by spring g. If deemed advisable, the arm (1 may bedispensed with and arm (1 lengthened and turned upward in such a manneras to carry the spring 6, in which case the three arms d, cl, and (1would become essentially one long rod with several angles and turns.

IOO

At one end of the drum g, and preferably at that side of the machinenext the desk and extending horizontally from the periphery, are theteeth '0 v, &c., adapted to be acted upon by pawl X and so spaced that arotation of the drum by the space represented by one tooth moves thetype-belt forward the width of one link-plate, bringing a new name underopening 0. Pawl X is loosely hinged to arm d at 2, so that its Weightcauses its curved beak to fall between two of the teeth 4;. It may beprovided with a spring, but I prefer the simpler construction shown. Itis normally in the position shown in Fig. 1 and the continuous lines inFig. 3, its top held against its stop 03 and by pressure thereon itspoint firmly wedged between two of the teeth o, thereby holding the drumg firmly in position and permitting no movement thereof, either backwardor forward. Arm d and pawl X are held from lateral motion by the flangedroller r. Then the plunger is driven down for the purpose of printing anaddress, arm d and its pawl X are depressed to the position shown by thedotted lines in Fig. 3, the pawl slips backward over the tooth 1; backof it, drops its beak into the space between the teeth next back of theone formerly occupied by it, and on the plunger being released thetensionspring draws the mechanism up to its normal position, the pawl isforced to the position shown in Fig. 1, having forced the drum forwardone step and brought a new type-plate under platen 0 ready for a newimpression. The point of pawl X moves more slowly than the arm whichactuates it, and as it nears its normal position of rest the pressure ofits curved beak on the tooth in front of it gradually ceases and bringsthe drum to a gradual stop, which is in many ways preferable to a suddenstop. The compound leverage of the pawl enables a weaker spring tocontrol the plunger than if applied directly to the drum or type-belt. I

Any appropriate inking device may be used; but in practice I prefer thatshown in the drawings, invented by me for this purpose. It consists ofthe stationary ink-padj andits cooperating mechanism, which I will nowdescribe.

The arm (1 formerly referred to, carries, hinged to it at its lower end,the curved fiat spring 6. Spring e is at its lower end movably attachedto the rod 47,, which forms the outer side of the swinging bail. The endpieces of the bail are marked y. Pad 1' swings and turns upon the bailon pierced lugs. (Marked i.) The threadless bolt Z) fits loosely and isfreely movable in a passage made for it in frame Z), as shown by dottedlines in Fig. 5. The head of bolt 1) is pierced for the passage of theguide t, which fits it loosely enough to have free longitudinal motion.The rod on is movably attached at each end to the connecting-piece 1These two connecting-pieces y, with rod m, form a swinging bail, turningon rod n as a center.

The connecting-pieces 3 are rigidly attached to rod a, which turns asthey swing. In practice it may be preferable to dispense with one of theend piecesy and extend rod a, bending it so as to form both sides andone end of the swinging bail. Spring '6 is so adjusted as to normallypress the movable inkpad 1' firmly against the stationary ink-padj. Thesurface of the latter is kept inked and the movable pad is freshly inkedat every contact with it. These pads maybe composed of any suitablesubstance. I prefer a construction similar to that of the ordinaryinking-pads in common use.

\Vhen the plunger is forced downward in operating the machine, thedepression of arm d forces spring a downward, carrying with it rod m andmovable pad 1'. The connecting-pieces y force the movable pad to traveldownward in the segment of a circle. At the same time guide if, turningupon bolt Z) as on a pivot, reverses the pad 1', spring 6 continues itspressure, forcing the freshlyinked pad upon a link of the type-belt, asshown in Fig. 7, in which Z represents the type in the link-plate 7a. Bythis device the type in each link-plate are freshly inked just beforeuse.

Any mode of uniting links recessed for type or engraved may be used withmy invention, but I prefer the two forms of peculiarly-constructedrecessed link-plates 7.; and 8, (shown in Figs. 4, S, and 9,) united inan endless chain or type-belt, and carrying rubber or other suitabletype or stamps fixed in the recesses of the links, which may be of anysuitable substance, preferably metal. This endless chain maybe as longas the height of the drum from the floor will permit, and is thrown overthe drum, where it hangs suspended by its own weight, no other supportbeing necessary. The link-plates are oblong in shape, and at each endeach link is provided with the projection 71;, adapted to lie betweenthe sprockets of the drum. Each link-plate has its edges turned up so asto form a recess, as shown, for the reception of the type Z.

In Fig. 4 is shown a form of link in which one side of each link isprovided with two eyes and the opposite side with two hooks, adaptingthem to be snapped together.

The link-plate s is formed of one piece of sheet metal stamped intoshape. The metal is turned up at the sides, then doubled back uponitself, and the hinge-eyes s and s crushed into their tubular form forthe passage of the retaining-pin 8 As shown, each link has on one sidethe two eyes 8 and on the other side the eye 3, which fits between theeyes 5 of any other link. The pin .9 passes through the three eyes inthe manner of an ordinary loose-pin hinge.

I prefer to make the type of rubber and to press them in with sufficientforce to cause them to retain their position by compression. In practiceI have each address upon a soft IIO rubber stamp made to fit the recessin the linkplate, but it is obvious that by dividing the recess intocompartments rubber or other suitable type may be used and set insingly. I have not shown the type in the drawings, as a similar use oftype is an old device, and I make no claim as to the type itself.

The stop 00 marks the limit of the upward movement of pawl X and forcesthe beak of the pawl down between the teeth 1) in such a manner as tohold the drum normally firmly in position. This stop should be made ofsome hard substance, as steel.

The support for the inking device is marked 6 and may be a part of theframe I), or rig idly connected therewith.

The envelop-support f is provided with a foot f which is pierced for thepassage of the machine-screw f by which it is firmly held in place. Whendesired, by loosening this screw the envelop-support may be swunginward, leaving the space above the drum free. The type-belt can then bereadily removed. It is obvious that the envelop-support may be hinged,so as to turn up, if deemed best.

\Vhenever a name in the list becomes obsolete, it may be removed fromthe link and another be substituted. Should the list decrease, the blanklinks may be readily removed. If the list be too long, it may be dividedinto two or more type-belts, which are capable of being compactly rolledup or hung away in a small space when not in use.

A represents the edge of a desk to which in Fig. i the machine isrepresented as clamped by means of the proper form of frame and thescrew it. The machine may be furnished with a cabinet, in which casethis feature might be modified.

I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. Inaddressing-machines, an endless typebelt composed of hinged link-platessuspended upon a single drum or pulley having a stepby-step revolution,and adapted by said revolution to bring the type-surfaces successivelyinto position for printing, substantially as above set forth and for thepurposes specified.

2. In machines for printing a predetermined list of addresses or otherforms, an endless type-belt suspended by its own weight over a singledrum or pulley and provided with hinged link-plates with stamping orprinting surfaces; a platen capable when properly actuated, of forcingthe surface to be printed into contact with the type-belt; and mechanismfor imparting to the drum or pulley and the type-belt a step-by-steprevolution and bringing the link-plates successively into cooperationwith the platen, all substantially as above set forth and for thepurposes specified.

In addressing-machines,the endless type belt or chain composed of hingedlink-plates and suspended by its own weight as shown over a single drumor pulley having a surface adapted to engage the type-belt, as bysprockets fitting between projections thereon; a

spring-controlled plunger carrying a platen adapted to press the surfaceto be printed upon the printing-surface, but normally disengagedtherefrom; a pawl cooperating with appropriate teeth on the drum, and soconnected with the plunger as to produce no movement of the drum whenthe platen is brought into cooperation with the type-belt,

and to cause the drum and type-belt to rotate the width of onelink-plate when the plunger returns to its normal position, allsubstantially as above setforth and for the purposes specified. 1

4. In addressing-machines, a type-belt carryin g theprinting-surfaces,and passing over a drum provided with sprocketsadapted to engage projections on the type-belt and carry itsprinting-surfaces successively into posi tion to cooperatewith theplaten; an envelopsupport adapted to support the surface to be printedin such position that the platen may force said surface into contactwith the printing-surfaces of the type-belt; teeth or projections on thedrum adapted to engage an actuating-pawl, and so placed as to move thetype-belt forward one link when the drum is forced forward one tooth; aplunger held in its normal position by a spring, and having rigidlyattached to it the platen and an arm or arms adapted to actuate theinking device and pawl; a pawl loosely hinged to said arm, and having abeak held normally .firmly wedged against a stop, and between two of theteeth of the drum, and adapted, when the plunger is moved so as to bringthe platen into cooperation with the type-belt, to slide back and fallback of the next tooth of the drum, and on its return to its normalposition, to force the drum to rotate one step; an inking deviceconsisting of a stationary ink-pad, a movable ink-pad having its surfacenormally in contact with the inked surface of the stationary pad butcapable of separation therefrom by swinging upon a bail, and having aguide adapted to reverse it in swinging and thus bring its inked surfaceinto contact with one of the printing-surfaces of the type-belt, saidbail being connected with the plunger-arm by a spring connection adaptedto permit the swinging of the bail, and to force the movable ink-padinto contact with each of the printing-surfaces of the type-beltsuccessively as the machine is operated; all substantially as above setforth and for the purposes specified.

5. In inking devices for addressing-machines, a stationary ink-padhaving an inked surface; a movable ink-pad having its sun face normallyin contact therewith; a swinging bail turning upon a fixed center, andto the outer side of which the movable ink-pad is movably attached, andupon which said ink-pad swings; a guide rigidly fixed to the movable padand loosely confined near its end so as to adapt it to reverse themovable pad as it swings and present its inked. surface to theprinting-surface; and a curved spring attached to the bail and to itsaetuating mechanism, as the arm (Z all substantially as above set forthand for the purposes specified.

6. In inking devices for addressingmachines, the stationary ink-pad j;the movable ink-pad i; the swinging bail carrying the movable ink-padand adapted to turn upon a fixed center, as the rod or; the guide tloosely eonfined as by the bolt Z) so as to permit the swinging of thebail, and to reverse the pad 1' in swinging; the spring 0 and the arm [1all substantially as above set forth and for the purposes specified.

7. In addressing-machines, the frame I); the plunger a, with its platenc; the arm (1; the pawl X attached thereto; the journaled drum g, withits sprockets n and its teeth 1;; the arm (Z the spring 6 pivotedthereto; the stationary ink-pad j; the movable ink-pad 2' adapted toturn on its swinging bail and provided with its guidet adapted toreverse the pad 1'; the type-belt composed of the hinged link-plates;all in combination substantially as above set forth and for the purposesspecified.

8. In addressing-machines the combination of the type-belt composed ofthe hinged linkplates 8; the rotating drum 9 with its sprockets u andits teeth 1;; the pawl X; the plunger a with its arms d, d, and d theinking device above described, consisting of the stationary ink-padj,the movable ink-pad 2', the guide?! and the swinging bail; the pivotedconnecting-spring e; and the frame I); all substantially as above setforth and for the purposes specified.

9. In addressing-machines,the combination of the plunger a; the platenc; the frame I); the arms d, d, and (1 the spring 6; the envelop-supportf, with its opening 0, its foot f pivoted on the screw f the inkingdevice, with its support 19 its stationary ink-padj, its movable ink-padi with its pierced lugs 1', its rods 'm and it, its end pieces 3 and itsguide t with its loose pivot b; the roller 0"; the pawl X with its stop00; the journaled drum 9 with its sprockets a and its teeth 0, thetype-belt composed of the hinged linkplates .9; the frame I) and theclamp-screw 71, all substantially as above set forth and for thepurposes specified.

JOSEPH S. DUNCAN.

Witnesses:

O. W. BRITTON, A. S. WILSON.

